Usage Note
Manibalang describes the stage between unripe and fully ripe — firm, slightly tart, not yet at peak sweetness. The term is used almost exclusively for fruits, particularly mangoes, and this stage is often considered ideal for preparations like green mango salads with bagoong.
Examples
" Manibalang pa ang mangga. "
Natural Translation
The mango is still almost ripe.
Literal Translation
Almost-ripe still the mango.
" Manibalang ang mangga. "
Natural Translation
The mango is almost ripe.
Literal Translation
Almost ripe the mango.
" Mas gusto ng lola ko ang manibalang na mangga dahil maasim-asim ito at bagay na isawsaw sa bagoong. "
Natural Translation
My grandmother prefers almost-ripe mangoes because they are slightly sour and good to dip in shrimp paste.
Literal Translation
More like of-the grandmother my the almost-ripe mango because slightly-sour it and fitting to dip in shrimp-paste.
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